Trailer Camera Mount With Gravity Pivot for Tarp Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for trailers with tarping systems interfere with the operation of the tarping mechanism, requiring inconvenient mounting and unmounting, and fail to provide continuous monitoring of loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A camera system that includes an arm member, a pivot structure, and a weight, allowing the camera to remain oriented upward and capture images of the trailer interior regardless of the tarping system's operation, with the arm member and weight mechanism ensuring the camera's position is maintained above the trailer even as the tarping system moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is mounted on the trailer to monitor loading and unloading, then monitoring capability is improved, but the tarping system operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting structure uses a movable arm with pivot points that allow the camera to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The arm can rotate and articulate to accommodate the tarping system's movement while maintaining the camera's monitoring capability, resolving the conflict between fixed monitoring and dynamic tarp operation
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting structure is divided into multiple segments or links that can move independently relative to each other. This segmented design allows different parts of the mounting structure to move in coordination with the tarping system while keeping the camera positioned for optimal monitoring, eliminating interference
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the camera is mounted on the trailer to provide continuous monitoring, then monitoring continuity is improved, but mounting and unmounting convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm mounting structure allows the camera to be quickly deployed and positioned without complex installation procedures. The arm can be easily adjusted to the correct position and locked into place, enabling rapid mounting and unmounting while maintaining continuous monitoring capability throughout the tarping operations
3Reliability
If the camera position is fixed to maintain upward orientation, then imaging reliability is improved, but adaptability to tarping system movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting arm incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with pivot points that allow the arm to articulate and rotate. This dynamic structure automatically maintains the camera's upward orientation and optimal viewing angle regardless of the tarping system's position or movement, achieving both imaging reliability and adaptability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure uses counterbalancing mechanisms or spring elements that help maintain the camera in its optimal upward-facing position. These counterbalancing forces automatically adjust to keep the camera oriented correctly despite movements of the tarping system, ensuring consistent imaging quality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous monitoring of loading and unloading processes without interfering with the tarping system, providing reliable and convenient imaging of the trailer interior during all operational states of the tarping system.
Implementation Method 1
a weight connected to the arm member. Responsive to a force of gravity the camera remains oriented upward to capture images of the interior of the trailer during loading and unloading
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system for a trailer that cooperates with a tarping system of the trailer to capture images during loading and unloading. The camera transmits the images to a display. A driver may watch the display to monitor loading and unloading. The camera system maintains a camera of the camera system positioned to capture images of an interior of the trailer regardless of the operation of the tarping system. The camera system generally includes an arm member, a pivot structure connected to the arm member, a camera connected to the arm member, and a weight connected to the arm member. Responsive to a force of gravity the camera remains oriented upward to capture images of the interior of the trailer during loading and unloading.